- Photo by Adam Sawyer
Every season is prime for outdoor recreation on Mt. Hood. Spring, summer, and fall bring a wealth of opportunities. Hiking and backpacking, fishing, mushroom hunting, berry picking, swimming, canoeing, etc, etc, etc. Even though some Portlanders spend many afternoons wistfully daydreaming of the next time they’ll be able to engage in these activities, for many, winter is the best time of year on the mountain.
Skiing and snowboarding are perhaps the largest draws. There is no shortage of places around the mountain where you can take on both. But for countless families, these winter sports can get pricey rather quickly. Even renting equipment for the day can set you back quite a bit. On the other hand, snowshoeing and sledding offer up as much winter fun and exercise as you can handle at a wallet-friendly price point. For a family friendly snowshoeing/sledding adventure, consider the White River Canyon (WRC).
Mt. Hood’s WRC is a popular playground for sledding, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. The area is easily accessible, picturesque, and eminently explorable. Located roughly 65 miles from downtown Portland, the WRC is generally easy to get to. It is accessed from the White River West Sno-Park just off of the frequently plowed Highway 35.
From the parking area, make your way over to the White River, which is easily identified by a large sign, and head upstream towards Mt. Hood. The first ¼-mile stretch is the primary sledding area, and there are plenty of routes to choose from. Whether you’re looking for nice and easy or fast and furious, it won’t be hard to find in this spot.
Photo by Adam Sawyer
If snowshoeing, or maybe just more privacy is your goal simply continue upstream. You can make the journey as easy or as difficult as you like. If your family is new to snowshoeing or you prefer a casual route, the grade is gentle if you stay in the wide open space paralleling the river. Once you reach the power lines, turn around and retrace your steps for an easy 3 mile out and back. For those seeking more exercise, continue as far as you like. Make your way to the river, explore the steep ridgeline, or head into the trees. There are blue diamond-marked pines guiding the way back to the parking area.
To get there take Highway 26 east to the junction with Highway 35. Turn north onto Highway 35 towards Hood River and drive 4 more miles to the White River West Sno-Park on the left. There are three vault toilets provided in the parking area, and a Sno-Park permit is required ($3 a day or $20 a year). As always, check conditions before you go.
-Adam Sawyer
Photo by Adam Sawyer
Photo by Adam Sawyer
